10 Major Depression Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Updated on March 7, 2016

Hi readers, this article was written to help those who might be going through a rough time and need help. I remember when I had major depression and almost lost my life had it not been for family and friends. Maybe these tips will help. If you know someone who is showing any of these depression symptoms, get them help fast before it gets worse.

It is a fact that someone who is depressed is usually the last to realize it.

About clinical Depression

There are many different types of depression but the one I am talking about is clinical or major depression because this is the one that had me in a state invisible bondage for years.

Clinical depression is where a person feels depressed for an extended period of time and their daily lives are severely affected by this. When a person is clinically depressed it changes their lifestyle, eating habits, sleeping habits, work attitude, their interactions with people and their general outlook on life.

People who suffer from this condition are usually irrational in their thoughts and behavior and see things in a dark or negative light. They cannot be easily cheered up and they will withdraw from society. They usually end up contemplating suicide or actually going through with it.

Major depression doesn't easily go away. Meaning it's not seasonal or for short periods. In most cases, clinical depression last for years if goes untreated and usually requires some sort of therapy to recover.

Some people will become worse and become irrecoverable, having a total breakdown.

1. A Low Sad Feeling

One of, and sometimes the first symptom of clinical depression is a low sad feeling. If this feeling lasts for more than three days then try to figure out what is going on. Is there a death in the family? Are you in good health? What is wrong? It is understandable if you are grieving or having a broken heart but a sudden feeling of sadness and low personal thoughts are definitely one of the first signs you are depressed. This is always accompanied by a feeling of being lost or a feeling of guilt.

2. The feeling of not wanting to get out of bed

Most lazy people feel this way everyday, but the industrious are usually up and buzzing not getting enough time to rest and relax. When someone you know who is usually up and about takes to their bed at nine or ten in the morning, start asking questions. Get them out of bed and doing stuff they may enjoy. Get them to go out to dinner or a movie. Don't leave them alone or it will get worse. Depression usually take on this symptom early in the condition.

3. Sleeping too much

The two first symptoms are usually associated with this one. You will find yourself feeling low and sad, probably thinking that your are not well or that your a worthless, then the feelings of weariness takes over and you don't want to get out of bed. Being weary will let you sleep till noon or even all day. You just want to close those windows and cover your head with the sheets and pretend it is still night. This depression symptom will send red flags to the very observant person.

4. Insomnia

You might not believe it but insomnia is sometimes considered a symptom of depression. This might sound a little contradictory but it sometimes comes after the over sleeping. What may happen after a while of too much sleeping is that when you go to bed at night you lie awake wondering what's happening to you. You will start to get restless and not able to fall asleep until the wee hours of the morning and the weariness comes back again and you sleep all day.

Note: Not everyone who is depressed will experience insomnia. This is a disorder in itself and may be reflective of another problem.

5. Loss or Gain of Appetite

(a) Loss - Some persons may lose their appetite to some degree or altogether. They can't stand the sight or smell of food and will barely pick around on their plates. You will find these persons losing weight rapidly for the lack of nutrition. This may lead to disorders like Bulimia and Anorexia.

(b) Gain - On the other hand a person may gain their appetite usually for unhealthy foods that are high in fats, sugar and carbs. Ice cream, cookies, cakes and pastries, fried foods and fast foods are their friends. Eating is not for nutrition but for comfort and in most instances they feel that they have no one or nowhere to go for this comfort, hence junk food. These foods provide temporary reprieve form the mental anguish being experienced.

If you find yourself experincing any of these two symptoms, get yourself checked. It may be that you are depressed.

6. Sudden Bursts of Tears

One of the most common symptoms of depression, it may be a quiet reasonable conversation between friends and suddenly there are tears, leaving you perplexed and confused wondering what you did wrong.They might be alone and the tears just start to flow. The kitchen faucet may have a little drip or the jelly jar too tight. Simple things or maybe nothing at all may bring on the tears. Trust me, I have been there.

I remember the first time it happened to me and I called my friend and said, "something is wrong with me, I can't stop crying!"

7. Always wanting to be alone

Being alone is not really a bad thing, but when you want to get away from your spouse, children and friends all the time without explanation they need to get worried. Dying to get home from work all the time away from everyone looking at you. The place seems too crowded and you can't stand the sound of voices, music, cars, any sound at all. You want to lock yourself in your bedroom or bathroom for hours on end. Don't want to talk to anyone, even your spouse. Has this been happening for a while? You are definitely showing signs of depression.

8. Irritability

Annoyed at everyone and everything? Everything gets on your nerves? You get irritated if your quiet is disturbed or someone disobeys you? The simplest of things will have you throwing a tantrum.

Sometimes, immediately after the feeling of irritation the tears will come for some persons. You feel like no one is with you or nothing is going your way.

9. Feelings of Worthlessness and Doom

Another very common symptom. This is where it starts to get really serious. It is not just a feeling anymore but your mind is now taken over by the lowliness and sadness of the early signs. You feel as if nothing is going your way or no one loves you. Your feelings of self worth are very low. The world is against you and you don't want to be in it. You feel like a failure and when you look in the mirror you hate what you see. You feel worthless and lonely even though your house is filled with loved ones. You push away your spouse, relatives, children and friends because you think you are worth nothing to them. I can say with surety that you are depressed.

Then ultimately #10 will arrive....................................................

10. Thoughts of Suicide

The moment you start thinking that your family and friends don't need you and that they will be much better off without you, or you can't live without the love of your life, you need instant help.

You needed help from the first signs but sometimes these are signs of other issues. Thoughts of suicide are proof that you are truly depressed and need help fast. Getting help early will prevent the mental breakdown that suicidal thoughts bring.

Overview

Some of the above symptoms are synonymous with other medical or mental problems. However a combination of two or more might be an indication that the person is depressed. If the person displays sign one and/or two keep a close eye to see if the others will develop. Some signs may come not in the order suggested as each person's condition is unique.

For more information on Depression follow these links:-

Major depression - PubMed HealthPubMed Health offers up-to-date information on diseases, conditions, drugs, treatment options, and healthy living, with a special focus on comparative effectiveness research from institutions around the world.

Comments 59 comments

Cardisa , you sure are moving along into the hub pages as a writer, In this writing and in your experiences in life , you have so much to offer! Great job! I sure hope you have a great day!

Dexter Yarbrough 5 years ago from United States

Hi Cardisa. Thanks for sharing these signs. I will be sure to keep an eye open for them.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thank you Ahorseback, I appreciate the comment and you have a great day too!

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hi Dexter, thanks so much and I hope that if anyone you know is depressed, they will get help as quickly as possible.

novascotiamiss 5 years ago from Nova Scotia, Canada

Thanks for a great hub. Hopefully this will help sufferers recognize their symptoms and get help. Unfortunately there is always a stigma attached to mental health conditions. We should try to be more understanding and insist that a friend should get help, rather than avoiding the topic just because its easier. Also, we have to insist even if our friend doesn't want our help. One of the problems is that patients usually don't recognize that they have a problem and therefore seek isolation rather than help. Also, depression doesn't necessarily have to be a mental health condition, it can have causes which can easily be corrected with medication e.g. if you have a Vitamin B12 deficiency or a thyroid condition that you may not be aware of. Your doctor can help you find out why you have depression and take the necessary action to improve your well being.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hi Novascotiamiss, thank you for visiting and leaving a wonderful comment.

Where the symptoms of depression may be caused by other underlying factors, the diagnosis itself is a condition that suggests a mental breakdown of some sort. Depression can be treated with medication but personally I prefer therapy which will lead to personal growth and development.

There are different kinds of depression, depending on the underlying factors and cause.

Thank you again.

Pamela99 5 years ago from United States

This is a very well written article and those are important signs to pay attention too. I think sometimes we can fall into depression and not quite realize it for a while, so the signs are helpful. Voted/rated up.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thank you Pamela99, and you are right. Most persons don't know they are depressed until diagnosed by the physician. It is important to keep in mind the signs that will alert you that there is a problem.

thebluestar 5 years ago from Northern Ireland

This is very well written and informative about a very sensitive subject. I have been there a few times in my life and although I still taking the happy pills, I don't want to visit there again soon.x

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

I know just how you feel Thebluestar. I also do not wish it on anyone. Depression depletes your energy along with your self worth and esteem. This is one road no one should take.

Mamelody 5 years ago

I can relate to some of the signs, especially when my long term relationship ended and it took me about 8 years before I dated again. I went through all those stages and I only realized I was depressed after I bought a rope and tried to hang myself. I'm still in the process of healing but this hub is a reminder of how dangerous depression is.

Thanks for writing this, very good hub. Voted it up!

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Good to have you visit my humble space Mamelody! I know exactly what you went through and hope you are recovering just fine. Be selfish and only concentrate on your happiness for a while. See only you right now and I guarantee you will get better soon. Working on yourself form the inside out works but you can also work from the outside in if you are not sure what to do. Try making yourself over and take it from there.

epigramman 5 years ago

..well I checked off 6 of these with the affirmative status ...... but if I read 10 of your hubs then I am quite sure all of those feelings would go away ... especially with some Blue Mountain coffee, rice and peas and some righteous reggae music - irae!!!!

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hi Epigramman, thanks for visiting. I am sorry to know you are feeling a bit depressed and hope my hubs do make you feel a lot better.

There is a rice and peas recipe you can try and I am sure you have a few records or CDs lying around. Have a cup of coffee and relax and chase the blues away.

Maybe you should think about visiting Jamrock soon.

No Problem!!

bushraismail 5 years ago from ASIA

Lovely hub, Next time maybe you can write about how to come out of depression.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hi Bushraismail, thanks for stopping by and also for the tip. I think I will write a hub on how to come out of the state of depression.

Thanks

dkanofsky 5 years ago from Bethalto, Illinois

Thanks so much for the "heads up" on these symptoms. I've experienced one or more of these symptoms every time I went through a depressive episode. They are extremely intrusive and really interfere with one's ability to make rational decisions.

Again, thank you for this informative hub.. I know it will definitely help others to determine the likelihood of depression.

Kindest regards,

Dave Kanofsky

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hi Dave, I am glad I could be of help to you and others. You are so right, depression debilitates you and prevent you form making rational decisions.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Have a great evening!

Sunnie Day 5 years ago

Cardisa,

Wonderul hub that all should read. Thank you for giving us the signs and symptoms of depression.Sometimes it can sneak up on someone before they know it.

God Bless,

Sunnie

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thanks Sunnie.

You are so right, it does sneak up on you. That is why people who are depressed never usually know it until told by a physician.

kimberlyslyrics 5 years ago

such a great hub, and so needed for those who feel alone with no hope. love you sis

kimberly

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hey Kimmy,

That's why I did it, to help those depressed souls.

Thanks Sis

Clairepeek 5 years ago

A great hub Cardisa! Very instructive... I can say that I have experienced 8 of the 10 signs at least once this year, usually around the wintery period (always dark and cold)... your tips to get out of some of them are extremely accurate and helpful.

It is a good reminder to shape up so things do not deteriorate ^_^

Up and useful!

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thank you Claire, I'm glad you did get out of it before it consumed you. Thanks you for the comments too.

Just Ask Susan 5 years ago from Ontario, Canada

Cardisa, you have explained depression perfectly. Great job!

saddlerider1 5 years ago

I'm depressed just reading this, he he...just kidding, although I must confess I checked off more than I expected to, it's my dark side coming out, my depression surges me on to write most times, yes many with a bottle of my favorite Red vino to keep me company and let the words flow from my quill like water gushing over a babbling brook. Excellent hub, I enjoyed it very much, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Neil Sperling 5 years ago from Port Dover Ontario Canada

Well done description of depression. Thanks

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thank you Susan, I really appreciate you stopping by.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hi Saddlerider, I am very impressed that something great comes out of your depression, it is rare that we can be productive and expressive when this surge com upon us.

Happy writing....with you Red Vino!

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thanks for stopping by Neil!

Sun-Girl 5 years ago from Nigeria

Interesting and well shared article which i enjoyed reading from. Actually, i think i have felt this way before in life but the least which i never thought of is suicide because i so much cherish my life and i know suicide is not in anyway the best alternative. All the same, nicely shared hub.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hello Sun-Girl,

Thanks for sharing my humble space.

I am thankful that your depressed state did not get bad enough for you to consider taking your life. As a matter of fact, when we think about it, the depressed don't really want to die. They feel that way because of their current state of mind. When they get help they usually realize how much they have to live for.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Have a great day!

Kosmo 5 years ago from California

I think the best way to fight depression is to find your point of spirituality or reason for being. Without either, you may as well crawl into a hole. What is the best way to find such states? I think everybody knows how, but some people refuse to look. Later!

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thank you for the very insightful comment Kosmo.

copingdepression 5 years ago

Ive experienced everything you wrote about except 6 & 10 on and off for the last 10 years. Whenever I feel all of the above mentioned it can be overwhelming and I try to snap out of it. I think finding an inspiration helps you get out of the dumps.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

I agree with you Coping. I also know that you can be healed to the point where you stop having those feelings. I am proof of that. I feel brand new and each day I renew myself too.

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.

Sunshine625 5 years ago from Orlando, FL

I am good to go on most days and some days I go get the "blues" but I laugh them away ... I don't use the "D" word :) Informative symptoms! Great job!

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hi Sunshine many of us get the blues often but that doesn't mean we are depressed. It is classified as depressed when we become adversely blued from it.

Sunshine625 5 years ago from Orlando, FL

Very true Cardisa ... I'll take blues anytime over "D" :)

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Anytime Sunshine, anytime....

cynamans 5 years ago from Washington DC

Great Hub Cardisa,

I can relate to your thoughts on this issue. I have in the past few months felt depress after the passing of my mother. I am now moving forward in a good direction. Your insight is always helpful. Voted up and awesome.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Cynamans, I am so glad that you are getting past the depression. Losing a parent is very hard and it's understandable that your would feel depress. I hope you get the healing you need.

AUPADHYAY 5 years ago from INDIA, UTTAR PRADESH STATE, KANPUR CITY

Fine hub. It repeats the slogan of Medical Science that PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. We should always be cautious from depression. Thanks

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Keeping a positive attitude can reduce the risk of falling into depression but not all depressions are preventible.

Sinea Pies 5 years ago from Northeastern United States

This really rings true, Cardisa. This year we suffered the loss of my mom and my husband's mom...all on the heals of them having been ill for some time.

I thought I was doing OK but a mild form of depression was setting in for me. Thankfully, I had the rare opportunity of being able to take 6 weeks off from work this summer and did almost nothing but rest, write (which I enjoy), pray and soak up the sunshine. If I had not been able to take that break, I was headed for trouble.

Very good hub. Voted up and useful.

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Sinea, I am so glad you got through it okay and were able to get some time off. I don't ever want ever anyone to go through what I did.

Lucky Cats 5 years ago from The beautiful Napa Valley, California

Cardisa, first of all, Good Morning! and THanK YOU for this great hub. You have helped so many and you'll never know just how many lives you have actually saved with this thoughtful and in depth hub. Great work! All ups but funny!

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thank you Lucky Cats. I I could save one person the grief of depression then I am happy.

Vinaya Ghimire 5 years ago from Nepal

My father was once suffering from depression. He did not know what was happening to him. One day he read an article like this and at once he knew about depression. I'm sharing this story just to tell you that this article is very informative and useful

Cardisa 5 years ago from Jamaica Author

I am glad your father's eyes were opened to this disease Vinaya. No one should go through it. Depression is debilitating and destructive. I hope this article will help someone. Thanks.

I have voted up for this too! I have several of the signs of clinical depression and am no stranger to this as it ruined my life when I was much younger and in my twenties. Then it caused me to become a drug addict and alcoholic and I got worse. Fortunately I got over all those problems but I know many who didn't.

Cardisa 4 years ago from Jamaica Author

I am so proud of you Bard, I too am over it but I do know others who can't seem to shake that depression. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Tenerife Islander 4 years ago from Tenerife

You are welcome, Cardisa!

rasta1 3 years ago from Jamaica

Great tips and information. Hope it helps someone.

Cardisa 3 years ago from Jamaica Author

Thanks Rasta, that's why I wrote it.

rebeccah 2 years ago

I am going through severe depression and don't know what to do I can't even wash my clothes or self I am totally cut off from the outside world I am the living dead

Cardisa 2 years ago from Jamaica Author

Hi Rebecca. I am sorry to hear what you are going through. If possible, is there someone close you can talk to? How about your doctor, a pastor or a friend. It's good to talk to someone about how you are feeling.